Tourism leaders take in progress

Updated 1:20 am, Wednesday, September 26, 2012

A timelapse of the 25 year progression fo the Mission Reach project. Photos courtesy of the San Antonio river Authority

Media: Express News

Members of the San Antonio Hotel & Lodging Association craned their necks Tuesday to catch a glimpse of a snowy egret sitting next to the San Antonio River where it crosses Mitchell Street.

The migratory waterfowl was one of many sights that delighted SAHLA members during their second visit with the San Antonio River Authority to survey the progress of river improvement projects since voters approved an extension of the visitors tax four years ago.

“Maintaining the (visitors) tax had little impact on business. Guests don't feel it was out of line,” she added, “and when they visit, they encounter an attraction that hasn't been built but is an authentic, natural part of our city. They'll remember that.”

With two phases of river improvement south of downtown already completed, a final Mission Reach phase that focuses on a six-mile stretch from Mission Road to Mission Espada should be completed in late summer of next year, said Matthew Driffill, education specialist for SARA.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

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A kayaker approaches the paddling chute Aug. 24, 2013 in one of the riffle structures on the Mission Reach section of the San Anotnio River south of downtown.

A kayaker approaches the paddling chute Aug. 24, 2013 in one of the riffle structures on the Mission Reach section of the San Anotnio River south of downtown.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

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A kayaker approaches a riffle structure Aug. 24, 2013 in the Mission Reach section of the San Antonio River south of downtown.

A kayaker approaches a riffle structure Aug. 24, 2013 in the Mission Reach section of the San Antonio River south of downtown.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

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Kayakers paddle Aug. 24, 2013 through the Mission Reach section of the San Anotnio River south of downtown.

Kayakers paddle Aug. 24, 2013 through the Mission Reach section of the San Anotnio River south of downtown.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

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Kayakers paddle Aug. 24, 2013 through the Mission Reach section of the San Anotnio River south of downtown.

Kayakers paddle Aug. 24, 2013 through the Mission Reach section of the San Anotnio River south of downtown.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

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Kayakers paddle Aug. 24, 2013 through the Mission Reach section of the San Anotnio River south of downtown.

Kayakers paddle Aug. 24, 2013 through the Mission Reach section of the San Anotnio River south of downtown.